Elterngeld Calculator 2026

Elterngeld is based on Elterngeld-Netto — a special net income calculated from gross minus flat-rate deductions (tax, social insurance). The replacement rate ranges from 65% to 100%, depending on income. Minimum: €300/month, maximum: €1,800/month (basic Elterngeld).

Basic Elterngeld pays up to €1,800/month for max. 14 months. ElterngeldPlus pays half (max. €900) for double the duration. ElterngeldPlus is especially worthwhile when working part-time during parental leave.

A total of 14 months of basic Elterngeld for both parents combined (max. 12 per person, min. 2 'partner months'). Single parents can claim all 14 months alone. With ElterngeldPlus, the duration doubles.

Yes, often! If the parent receiving Elterngeld switches to tax class III, the Elterngeld-Netto and thus the Elterngeld increases. The switch must happen at least 7 months before birth to be considered in the calculation.

Yes! You can work up to 32 hours/week and still receive Elterngeld. The benefit is then calculated based on the difference between pre-birth net income and part-time net income.

The minimum Elterngeld is €300/month (basic) or €150/month (ElterngeldPlus). It is paid even if you had no income before birth — e.g., students or homemakers.

If you have a child under 3 or two children under 6, you receive a sibling bonus: +10% of Elterngeld, at least +€75 (basic) or +€37.50 (Plus) per month.

Only to a limited extent: for births from 1 April 2024, both parents may receive basic Elterngeld at the same time for at most one month, within the first 12 months of the child's life (exceptions include multiple births, premature births and children with disabilities). Simultaneous ElterngeldPlus is still possible. Each simultaneous month counts for both parents. The partnership bonus (2 to 4 extra months per parent) requires both to work 24-32 hours/week at the same time.

For births from 1 April 2025: couples and single parents with taxable income above €175,000 are not eligible for Elterngeld. For births from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025 the limit was €200,000 (couples) and €150,000 (single parents); before that €300,000 and €250,000.

Elterngeld can only be applied for after birth, but is paid retroactively for up to 3 months before the application month. Tip: Apply as early as possible after birth, ideally within the first 3 months.